GoLocal Interview: Mighty Mystic
Ken Abrams, GoLocalProv Music Critic
GoLocal Interview: Mighty Mystic
“I’m looking forward to it,” he noted in a recent interview. “There’s a full day of reggae with big heavyweights like Steel Pulse. It’s a family oriented event, everybody should come by and chill.”
Mighty Mystic
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTMighty Mystic was born Kevin Mark Holness, and moved to Boston as a child. His older brother was a former Prime Minister of Jamaica. Like many young reggae artists, Holness has crossover appeal, infusing hip-hop and rock into his recordings. “I got into the music from my brother who was a hip-hop dancehall artist around the mid-90's.”
His message is universal; “peace, love and good times,” themes that are quite evident in his video for “Happy,” which can be seen here. The cheerful tune comes off his last album Concrete World, released in 2013. That album was his second, after his debut Wake Up the World, released in 2010. Both albums have propelled Holness to the top of the reggae charts and increased his visibility on the national scene.
Growing Reggae Scene
Holness is enthusiastic about the future of Reggae, and noted the scene in Boston is especially strong. “Boston has developed as a Reggae hub, with the radio show Rockers on 88.9 (Emerson College Radio). It’s been on the air over 30 years. It’s the best scene in the country.”
Holness lives by the universal message and spoke of the man who has influenced every single Reggae artist since, the great Bob Marley.
“He’s the #1 artist of all time, he’s a transcendent figure, he symbolizes peace, love and unity.” Indeed, Marley is considered to be the most recognized musical artist in the world today.
Holness has just finished a new album and expects it to be released this Fall. “It may be my best work. I think of every project as my last project ever. The music is something everyone can relate to, it talks about the balance between life and music.” The album Art of the Balance is expected to be released in the Fall.
New Festival Location
The Reggae Festival moves to India Point Park in Providence this year after the demise of the Newport Yachting Center last year. RI Waterfront Productions promises “the Festival will feature a Reggae Pit with authentic Jamaican food options, multiple bars featuring cold beers and festive island cocktails and a marketplace of vendors offering clothing, artisan goods, jewelry, body art and much more.” The event is General Admission and re-entry is allowed.
The Festival runs from Noon to 10 PM on Saturday August 8th. Casual and serious reggae fans won't want to miss the super line up including Steel Pulse, Third Word, Yellowman, Mighty Mystic and RI bands The Copecetics and High Hopes Band. Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the gate. Kids under 12 free with a paying adult. More details can be found here.
Ken Abrams review roots, rock and reggae for GoLocalProv. E-mail him here.
Newport Jazz Festival 2015: Weekend Highlights
Cassandra Wilson
Cassandra Wilson hit the stage with a $100 bill and a crack band behind her. Her show was a tribute to jazz legend Billie Holiday who was born 100 years ago. Wilson strode through several classics including “You Go to My Head,” “These Foolish Things,” and “Billie’s Blues.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Pat Martino
Pat Martino is a veteran jazz guitarist who hung out with legends Wes Montgomery and John Coltrane as a teenager in Philadelphia. He brought his Organ Trio to Newport featuring organist Pat Bianchi. Their set didn’t disappoint; the band played originals “Mac Tough,” and “Inside Out,” as well as the Montgomery classic “Full House.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Hiromi
Hiromi returned to Newport this year playing the Fort Stage Saturday. A native of Japan, Hiromi came to the United States to study at Berklee College in 1999. The dynamic pianist led her Trio Project through several original compositions including “Warrior,” “Dreamer” and “Alive.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Jon Batiste
Jon Batiste is a jazz artist who’s hit the big time. His enthusiastic performance demonstrated why he was chosen to be the band leader on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. His diverse set Saturday included the jazz classic “Love for Sale” as well as “If You’re Happy and You Know it” and the “Star Spangled Banner.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly joined Jon Batiste and his band Stay Human throughout the weekend. The saxophonist leads her own band as well and is part of a recently released documentary film about the late sax player Frank Morgan. (Photo: Ken Abrams)
Lisa Fischer
Lisa Fischer may be best known as a backup vocalist with the Rolling Stones. But she shines brightest with her own band Grand Baton. She rocked the house with her 1991 Grammy winning single “How Can I Ease the Pain,” as well as a couple of re-arranged Stones classics, “Jumping Jack Flash,” and “Wild Horses.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Tom Harrell
Legendary flugelhorn/trumpeter Tom Harrell and his quintet played to a full house on the Harbor Stage. He’s played on over 260 recordings during the course of his 40+ year career. The band played Harrell’s original compositions including “Delta of the Mile” and “Journey to the Stars.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Kenny Garrett
Kenny Garrett is one of the leading saxophone players in the world today. He began his career playing with the Duke Ellington Orchestra and later played with Miles Davis. He won a Grammy in 2010 for his collaboration album Five Peace Band. Saturday, fans heard “J. Mac,” “Happy People” and “Wayne’s Thing.” (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Irvin Mayfield
Irvin Mayfield and The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra closed the proceedings on Saturday with a lively set of spicy classics. Jazz, rock and pop came together for hits like “Angola,” “Overjoyed” and “We Will Rock You.”The Grammy winning artist is a tireless advocate for the city and music of New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz. (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Brandon Ross
Brandon Ross, lead guitarist for Cassandra Wilson, has played with other jazz stars like Bill Frisell as well as mainstream artists including Joan Osborne. He had solos on several numbers including "With a Little Moonlight," and "All of Me." (Photo: Ken Abrams)
RIMEA Jazz Ensemble
Every year at Newport, the Rhode Island Music Educator's Association takes part in the festivities with the RIMEA Senior Jazz Ensemble. The band features some of the best high school students in state led by conductor Willie Hill. Their set included selections from jazz greats John Coltrane, Joe Henderson and John Scofield. (Pictured: Nick Schmidt on guitar.) (Photo: Ken Abrams)
Scott Robinson
Scott Robinson fronted his doctette on the Harbor Stage Sunday. He was overshadowed physically (but not musically) by his contrasax, a gigantic instrument that makes the stand up bass seem like a violin. (Photo: Rick Farrell)
John Faddis
John Faddis led a three trumpet attack Sunday on the Quad Stage with the help of his able band and fellow horn blowers Sean Jones and Marquis Hill. Faddis, who is known for playing some of the highest notes possible on the trumpet, impressed with originals and covers including the Miles Davis classic "Seven Steps to Heaven." (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Dr. John
New Orleans ambassador Dr. John got the party started at the Fort Stage on Sunday. He returned to Newport after illness forced him to cancel last year. Fans rocked to hits "Jockamo," "St. James Infirmary" and "Goodnite Irene." (Photo: Ken Abrams)
Joey Alexander
12 year old Joey Alexander is a child prodigy who has made a huge impression on the jazz world. With film crews in tow, he entertained those present with jazz classics "Footprints" and "It Might as Well be Spring." (Photo: Rick Farrell)
MMEA
Massachusetts Music Educators Association Jazz Band (Photo: Rick Farrell)
Jon Lampley
Stay Human trumpeter Jon Lampley (Photo: Ken Abrams)
James Carter
Award winning saxophonist James Carter (Photo: Rick Farrell)
